bozman52 wrote:
superavenger13, I moved from the US to the UK in September 2011 (from Seattle to Cambridge), so I can provide a great deal of first hand insight into doing such a thing. There is SO much I can tell you about that I'm actually not even sure where to begin . . .
First, however difficult you think it will be, multiply it tenfold. There are an incredible number of little issues that inevitably arise that you just simply can't plan for. The UK is an extremely archaic country in some ways, and as an American, you just scratch your head and wonder why things are done in such a way. However, the US has things like this too, but you're just used to the silly way we do things and don't question it.
The visa thing is not trivial. If you can go on an inter-company transfer, it's the "easiest." Otherwise, the company that's hiring you will have to do a market study and prove to the UK government why you need to be hired instead of a local. Either way, you'll need to show the UK government some considerable funding in your bank account and provide them with records for the previous 3 months. There is a specific balance that your account cannot fall below, and if it does, you'll have to start the 3-month clock all over again. If going on an ICT, there is a way for your company to cover the funding (called "maintenance"), but get this figured out early on. I'm just scratching the surface here; I could go on about visas and issues around them for days. I had to handle this for my family of four, including a new addition my wife and I had last year. In short, don't trust that your company has any idea how to handle the visa process, because most don't. You'll need to follow along with the process step-by-step to ensure your HR department isn't messing up, because they inevitably will.
Get used to living much more simply, in a MUCH smaller accommodation (especially in London), and never using a car. Living in a big European city is completely different from living in the US. However, I think this is what's great about it- it's different. You have to be ready to alter your way of life and also live with fewer creature comforts. For instance, the heating in my 200-year old house sucks seriously. Coupled with my single pane windows from medieval times that the wind pretty much blows right through, winters are very uncomfortable . . . especially after I got hit with a 900 GBP utility bill for 10 weeks of use . . . which brings me to my next point.
Things are stupid expensive in the UK, especially London. Many things are the same numerical value, but you automatically lose 40% just on the exchange rate. Getting jewelry insurance nearly made me commit suicide. In the US, we just put my wife's engagement ring and my watches under our homeowners insurance with a single phone call- easy peasy. Over here, I had to get her ring insured separately simply because of it's value and it alone costs me 450 GBP a year. Car insurance is also ridiculous. Generously calculate what you think you'll be able to live on and then multiply it by at least 1.5x. To add insult to injury, salaries are significantly lower in the UK, compared to the US. Expect to earn less money and also give more to the government . . . which brings me to my next point.
Prepare to pay taxes in two countries. In the UK, you pay based on residency. In the US, you pay based on citizenship. If you get an ICT, make damn sure you have a tax equalization clause in your contract as well as a clause stating that the company will hire someone to do your taxes. Taxes get seriously complicated when you're an expat, so don't underestimate this headache. My situation is a little more complicated than yours, as my wife and I still own our house in Seattle, as well as a vacation condo in Canada, and we have three kids . . . but prepare yourself for the worst when it comes to taxes. Also, the UK doesn't have deductions, so you'll likely give up 35-40% of your income to the Queen, depending on how much you make.
A small trick around this is to set up an offshore account and get your salary paid into it. Also set up an onshore UK account. Transferring money in the UK is really easy and an be done online (something I wish the US would embrace), so just transfer what you need into your onshore UK account. You will only get taxed for what you bring onshore to the UK, which helps a little with the tax burden. However, you'll need about $20,000 to open an offshore account, so start saving.
Look at rightmove.co.uk for houses in London. This will give you an idea as to what the cost of living is. I have a friend that just moved to London into a one bedroom apartment, which is pretty small, and pays 1800 GBP ($2800) per month. I paid this for a 3 bed/2 bath house in Cambridge . . . and Cambridge is one of the most expensive places in the UK! What I'm getting at is that you need to be prepared to pay Manhattan prices if you're going to live in London.
Regarding shipping stuff, since I had a family, it was more cost effective to put our stuff on a boat and send it. We actually even shipped our car! What's funny is that it's a Land Rover LR2 (Freelander 2 over here), but it's obviously left-hand drive. You should see some of the looks I get. It was even better when I had US plates on it. It took 7 weeks to get our car and nearly three months to get our other stuff in the containers. Each container was 4 x 7.25 x 7.25 feet and cost us about $2,000 to ship. I also recommend you max out your checked luggage on the airline and stuff military duffel bags full of clothes and such. My family's checked baggage bill was $750, but much cheaper than if we'd shipped it all. In the end, you'll have to decide if you want to buy all new stuff or ship your own. I also bought heavy duty power transformers when we got to the UK and we run our kitchen equipment off them (e.g. espresso machine, Kitchenaid mixer, coffee grinder, etc.).
I could go on, but I'll stop here. After your trip to the UK, if this is something you're seriously still considering, it would probably be best if we just chat over the phone. Even though I may seem down on the whole thing, I will say that moving outside the US has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Adapting to the British culture and way of life has been much more difficult than I anticipated, but my family and I are better people for having done it. I definitely don't want to live out the rest of my days on this island, but I do want to stay another 4 years to get my baby daughter dual citizenship. If you get the opportunity to move to the UK, I think you should absolutely do it. Sorry for the long post, but I hope it's helpful to you.
bozman52, I really appreciate the long post. And I can imagine how this info is just touching the surface in regards to everything that must be done to even attempt this. I don't think I would bring my car however it is something to think about. I def think loading up as many bags as possible on the flight over is def the play. While shipping only what you need too. Good thought on watching HR dept in regards to doing all that is necessary. I cant imagine them trying to do all of this by themselves without me watching. All they had to do when I got married was add my wife to my health plan and they messed that up. I appreciate the offer of talking on the phone, that is very kind of you.
We are planning a trip there next July to make sure we will even like it
. So maybe I will pick your brain before than to see what we should see and do while there, to try and get a feel of how the "locals" live. We are only going for 10 days. With a planned golf trip to Dublin for me and a day in Paris for her. So we will probably have about 6 days in London. I know that prob isnt enough to see or get a true sense for what we would be in for if we moved there. But in my mind that's the whole point of moving there. Diving right in to a old and historical culture. And experiencing as much of the country and more.
I will PM you my contact info. Much appreciated again. We will be in touch.
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. The wife and I are planning a trip to London in July to check it out. During that time I will be playing a round of golf in Dublin and staying there a few days. As well as a few days in Paris. Your list seems to be our list really. You have good taste. Haha